Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed a U.S.-endorsed Gaza disarmament plan, refuting allegations that Israel had given its approval to the proposal.
On Sunday, Netanyahu clarified his position during a weekly cabinet meeting, stating, “Israel rejects the 15-point document.”
Despite the security cabinet’s approval last month for an International Stabilization Force to enter Gaza, disarm Hamas, and take control of the territory, Netanyahu has been encouraged by senior Israeli officials to reject the plan’s terms. Netanyahu reiterated, “The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed,” reported The Times of Israel.
Israel Signals Limits On US Deal
This development comes after Trump announced in July that the Board of Peace had reached a “historic” agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all armed groups in Gaza, as part of his 20-point peace plan. The agreement was to be carried out in carefully structured phases, with Hamas agreeing to relinquish all weapons ahead of an Israeli withdrawal.
The U.S.-backed Board of Peace is advocating for the implementation of this roadmap in postwar Gaza, a proposal that has been accepted by Hamas. The plan involves the transfer of weapons to a U.S.-backed Palestinian administration in Gaza, overseen by the Board of Peace.
However, Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Hamas is exploiting this process to evade renewed Israeli military action, dubbing Hamas’s agreement to the deal a “strategic ambush”.
Netanyahu also expressed his appreciation for President Donald Trump, but emphasized his readiness to push back when necessary, stating, “we can and know how to stand our ground even against our very best friends when necessary.”
Trump, Netanyahu Diverge On Iran
Last month, Trump appeared to downplay Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran ahead of their White House meeting, calling activity at Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site “not a big problem.” Trump suggested Netanyahu was emphasizing the issue to keep the U.S. engaged.
Despite the apparent differences, Netanyahu described their 90-minute meeting as “excellent,” saying it was based on “full partnership” and “mutual support.”
Earlier, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that U.S. and Israeli interests are not always aligned, highlighting reported tensions between Trump and Netanyahu. Vance said Netanyahu strongly advocates for Israel’s interests, while Trump prioritizes what he believes is best for the U.S. He also conceded that Netanyahu has made “some missteps” regarding Iran but did not elaborate.
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